Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang calls for accountability in fight against workplace sexual exploitation

Story by: Regina Bless

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for stronger accountability and enforcement of existing laws to address sexual exploitation and harassment in workplaces and academic institutions.

She made the call when she attended the Sex for Jobs Conference, organised by The Ark Foundation Ghana under the theme, “Promoting Accountability and Protecting Those Who Have Suffered Abuse.”

The Vice President stressed that nobody should be forced to endure sexual harassment or exploitation to secure employment, gain promotion or achieve academic advancement.

She emphasised that preventing such abuses requires continuous commitment from government officials, public and private institutions, and citizens to create safe environments in homes, workplaces and schools.

According to her, Ghana has established laws, policies and institutional frameworks, alongside international human rights and workplace protection standards. However, she identified the consistent enforcement of these protections as a major challenge.

She noted that government has made efforts to strengthen gender equity and social protection through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further urged public and private institutions to establish workplace cultures that reject exploitation, enforce professional standards, promote public education and ensure that appropriate action is taken whenever wrongdoing is established.

She commended the Executive Director of The Ark Foundation Ghana, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, and her team for their continued advocacy and efforts to protect individuals vulnerable to sexual exploitation.